BMW SADS Conversion

[timsrv]

I found this on the Yahoo Previa User Group page. I know nothing about it, but thought it was interesting. Thought it was worthy of discussion. Please see attached pdf. Tim

SADS BMW Conversion (1).pdf

[blakebecker37130]

Tim,

I did this modification after the replacement SADS I put in failed. The first set I replaced only lasted 10-15k and I did make sure to align everything. I was not getting any vibration. The aftermarket SADS that are made from alloy and have rubber inserts are most likely just low quality and not made to last. The BMW SADS are almost all rubber with metal sleeves formed into them. As the instruction states you have to cut some steel brakeline to use as sleeves over the Toyota bolts to take up the internal diameter space on the BMW SADS. The BMW SADS are also a little thicker, so I had to muscle the shaft into place. I like the BMW SADS better so far. I was under the van replacing the transmission and checked in on them. They seem to be holding up fine. Also they are easy to get and much less expensive than the Toyota SADS couplers.

Best regards,

Blake

[cvtroger]

Very cool.

Thanks for this!

[Tmcgivern2002]

Anyone have longevity input for BMW driveshaft revolver used on previa? My '93 Previa has 260k original miles on SADS. I'd like replacement coupling to last as long as possible, I'll pay extra for proven parts. I'm not finding 1994 or later SADS assy used upgrade; is this necessary?

BMW Drive Shaft Flex Joints may retrofit in Toyota Previa:

Febi Bilstein 26 11 1 227 869 / 4095

Meyle 3141520003

Beck/Arnley 103-2218

Thanks for input...

[blakebecker37130]

Mine are still holding strong. Van is everyday driver and goes all over the country.
Best regards,
Blake

[Cruisefish]

Hi All! New to the thread. I put these in:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Prev...ty!94565!US!-1

Toyota Previa Auxiliary Drive Shaft Coupling Kit (91-93) - 524

Part #: PSB 524

1991-1993 Toyota PreviaThis PSB product is considered an upgrade to the original factory part.It's one complete unit and therefore you will not have the issue of the 6 rubber rings flakingaway which is the primary reason for this part being replaced.



For get all the brake line cutting n' all that. These have been holding up very well and fit perfectly. I contacted the PSB website and told them they dont have a Previa section on their new website so that these can be bought again. They are still on ebay, even though i do not see the ones I purchased for my 1996 Previa.
Thanks all!

[Benpdx]

As the instruction states you have to cut some steel brakeline to use as sleeves over the Toyota bolts to take up the internal diameter space on the BMW SADS.

Hello, where are the brake line spacers placed? I’m trying to make sure I understand the correct placement before having my mechanic attempt this retrofit with Febi flex discs. Thanks

[Previologist]

The bolt on some models are smaller than the holes, so the bolts go through the brake lines which would be inside the couplers to take up the space. I don't remember which ones need this spacer but I know its all on this website somewhere.

I am 99.99999% sure the idiot previous owner/mechanic who installed couplers for me on my 97 did not use the spacers even though I gave him explicit directions to do so. He also didn't tighten the bolts. I had the bolts tightened at another shop a month later when the SADS started vibrating badly, and I know he didn't add any new spacers, if there even were any to begin with. It has been fine ever since.

I'm not recommending that anyone forego the spacers, but if mine is any indication it MIGHT be doable if the bolts are tightened properly.

[13ozLatte]

I just did this repair on my van, for spacers I actually found a piece of aluminum hollow round stock that was 1mm thick and 10mm outside diameter. I cut pieces to size, and they fit nice and snug inside the bolt holes, leaving no room for play between the bushings or the bolts!

I didn't space my front bearing forward, but found it was still a good fit. Doesn't seem to be pushing on the motor. I also had the motor out (just finished a JDM swap), so maybe it ended up a bit further back on its mounts instead?

[Previologist]

I don't think the clown who did mine used spacers but that hasn't caused any problems for me unless it contributed to the bolts coming loose almost immediately. But once i had them tightened up at a competent shop (that I'm also pretty sure did not use spacers) they have remained tight for 4 years and no vibrations since.

[man_btc]

I just did this repair on my van, for spacers I actually found a piece of aluminum hollow round stock that was 1mm thick and 10mm outside diameter. I cut pieces to size, and they fit nice and snug inside the bolt holes, leaving no room for play between the bushings or the bolts!

It'd be interesting to see how the aluminum lasts over time, vs steel.